August 29, 2005
Purdue University wishes for safe birthday celebrations
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University is making a wish for students' 21st birthdays this year – a safe, responsible celebration.
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For the fourth year, students who turn 21 during the academic year will receive a birthday card from the university encouraging them to make smart decisions while celebrating.
In the past, the Student Wellness Office distributed birthday cards from the Be Responsible About Drinking program. This year, the Student Wellness Office collaborated with Purdue Student Government and the Office of the President to send out distinctive Purdue-themed cards. The card includes tips on celebrating safely and is signed by President Martin C. Jischke and Jessica Hoffman, student body president.
"We're excited to move the 21st birthday card in a new direction," said Tammy Loew, health advocacy coordinator with the Student Wellness Office. "Our goal is to promote a safe and healthy environment for our students. The 21st birthday card fits well with that goal, and we are confident that students will respond well to it."
The text of this year's card encourages students to celebrate with friends they trust, bring along a sober driver and avoid a common 21st birthday tradition of drinking 21 shots of alcohol. The card also includes a link to a list of ways to celebrate safely.
"I wanted to get involved with this project because I know the dangers that accompany the celebration of 21st birthdays, and I feel it is important to remind my peers as often as possible to be safe and cautious when consuming alcohol," Hoffman said. "Accidents, injuries and deaths associated with the consumption of alcohol are prevalent around the nation, and I want to do everything possible to make sure that isn't the case on Purdue's campus."
The idea for the cards came from the Be Responsible About Drinking (BRAD) foundation. After Michigan State University student Brad McCue died from alcohol poisoning on his 21st birthday in 1998, his family and friends started the BRAD 21 program to inform students about the dangers of alcohol poisoning and remind them to celebrate safely.
Financial support for the 21st birthday cards comes from the Parents' Fund, operated out of the Student Services Development Office.
Writer: Christy Jones, (765) 494-1089, christyjones@purdue.edu
Sources: Tammy Loew, (765) 496-6780, tfloew@purdue.edu
Jessica Hoffman, (765) 494-7201, jdhoffma@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
PHOTO CAPTION:
Purdue University will send out a birthday card to all students who turn 21 during the school year. Hoping to prevent alcohol-related accidents injuries and deaths, the card includes tips on how to celebrate safely. (Photo provided)
A publication-quality photo is available at https://www.purdue.edu/uns/images/+2005/loew-birthdaycard.jpg
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